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Synopsis:
When a nurse downloads an app that claims to predict the moment a person will die, it tells her she only has three days to live. With the clock ticking and a figure haunting her, she must find a way to save her life before time runs out
If you could find out exactly when you’re going to die… would you want to know? That’s what Justin Dec’s Countdown is asking in this new age horror thriller, and it’s a no for me dawg. I rather not know when my time is up because then I’d somehow cause it myself. However, curiosity’s a bitch and I downloaded the app anyway. Yes, there’s an actual app, it adds a bit of fun to the movie experience. I’m safe for a while, I have about thirty-three years left according to my phone. Anyways, horror and technology haven’t quite married just yet. The ideas sound interesting but the final product doesn’t leave you with that lasting feeling of fear or in the case of Unfriended, any feeling of fear. While the plot itself is a little odd, evil with hacking and coding skills, there are some redeemable qualities. The scares didn’t feel predictable or forced and the contemporary turn Priest added a good comedic balance. Additionally, it included interesting subplots. Even though Countdown in some ways feels like a mash-up of Unfriended and Final Destination, I have to commend Dec for at least having an original idea. With a PG-13 rating, the body count is low along with minimal gruesome moments. Overall, Countdown is not a great movie but it is definitely an enjoyable one. Teenagers will most likely enjoy it the most. I foresee at least a few sequels in the future.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”30927″ img_size=”800×450″ alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”30931″ img_size=”800×450″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
Plot & Pace
While the movie follows a newly licensed nurse, it beings at a high school party full of drinking and card games. The Countdown app was downloaded jokingly by a table of unsuspecting teens who agreed to the terms of service. The app displays a countdown clock with the exact number of years, days, hours, minutes, and seconds you have left to live. One of them didn’t find it to be as humorous as the others, seeing as her time was immensely shorter than her friends. Tragedy happens which leads the story to the hospital where we are introduced to Quinn. Quinn has finished her residency and is looking forward to her future as a nurse. Simultaneously, the head doctor is making unwanted advances. The app is then downloaded in a joking manner by Quinn and her fellow nurses and the demonic journey begins. Quinn must find a way to stop her imminent death while being haunted by a grim figure. The movie doesn’t move ridiculously fast as it is partly a mystery. Some of the slower moments are to further the subplots. The subplots, while interesting, were just as predictable as the plot itself resulting in a lackluster aha moment and climax. Even so, I’d probably watch it again. Lastly, there is a credit scene so don’t leave too early.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”30932″ img_size=”800×450″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
Characters & Chemistry
The chemistry between Quinn (Elizabeth Lail) and Matt (Jordan Calloway) was oddly quick but I guess impending doom will do force your hand. However, they made it feel natural and I was waiting for a pre-death hookup, that may or may not have happened. In most horror films that deal with demonic spirits, there’s an old Priest, seasoned in the art of expelling demons. Not in this movie. Father John (P.J. Byrne) is far from conventional, has no clue what he’s doing but he’s up for the task and it’s very entertaining. Dr. Sullivan (Peter Facinelli) is a scumbag. Jordan (Talitha Bateman) is the younger sister of Quinn and she harbors resentment towards her sister which results in a rift. Tom Segura as Derek also adds some comedic moments to the movie.
Countdown releases in theaters on October 25th. Don’t forget to download the Countdown app before you go and have fun at the movie.
Runtime: 1h 30m
Credit Scene: Yes
Rating: 2.5 out of 5[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6O4iy3Twwo” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]